Montana Public Health Association (MPHA)

Mission

Seeking optimal health and working to shape public health policy for all Montanans.  

MPHA’s shared mission with the Association of Montana Public Health Officials and the Montana Environmental Health Association through Confluence Public Health Alliance is to unite environmental and public health professionals and amplify their impact on the health of all Montanans. 

MPHA invites all public health professionals and public health students to join MPHA.

History

The Montana Health Association was organized in 1918; one of the first four states to affiliate with the American Public Health Association (APHA) in 1919. In 1979, the name of the organization was officially changed to the Montana Public Health Association. MPHA’s original purpose was to educate and lobby legislators with the purpose of advancing and supporting legislation that enhances the health and safety of the population, and strengthen the voice of public health. Montana Public Health Association is the Montana affiliate to the American Public Health Association (APHA) which is the national voice of public health and champions the health of all people and all communities. They are the only organization that combines a 140-plus year perspective, the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health and a member community from all public health disciplines and over 40 countries. Learn more at www.apha.org. 

  • • Resources to grow and perform in your public health career;

    • Opportunities to connect with other public health professionals;

    • Representation of your public health concerns through a statewide and nationwide presence;

    • Recognition of the outstanding work of our colleagues in public health and the opportunity to be recognized.

  • Emily Colomeda, Past President | Public Health Director, Lake County

    Shawn Hinz, Treasurer | Retired VP Public Health, RiverStone Health

    Kristi Aklestad, Historian | HIV/STD/HCV Section Supervisor, DPHHS

    Desiree Restad, Secretary | Evaluator & Consultant

    Lynn Miller, Vice President Region 1 | Public Health Director, Hill County

    Melissa Henderson, Vice President Region 3 | Director Health Promotion, RiverStone Health

    AC Rothenbuecher, Vice President Region 4 | Administrator Community & Family Health Promotion Division, Lewis & Clark

    Holly Jordt, Vice President Region 5 | Program Officer, Montana Public Health Institute

    Niki Graham, Tribal Affiliate | Director, Montana Public Health Training Center

    Jenn Donovan, Public Health Nurse Chair | Public Health Director, Mineral County

    Terry Ray, DPHHS Liaison | Public Health System Improvement Office

You are invited to join MPHA. 

Affiliate of

Montana Public Health Association is an affiliated association of the American Public Health Association (APHA). We have collaborated with APHA to grow stronger as organizations, to share expertise, influence, and resources, and to advocate for common priorities at the local, state and federal levels. APHA is the national voice of public health and champions the health of all people and all communities. It is the only organization that combines a 150-year perspective, a broad-based member community and the ability to influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.